Save Yourself

Save Yourself is the latest road safety campaign launched by the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership.  Both driving without a seatbelt* and using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel are illegal.  For advice on why you should wear a seat belt and why you shouldn't use a mobile phone when driving see the links below.

Let us know your thoughts on the campaign by completing our short online feedback form.

Save Yourself - always wear your seat belt and never use a mobile phone when driving.

Seat belts

• You are twice as likely to die in a crash if you don't wear a seat belt.
• According to statistics produced by the Department for Transport, nearly 300 lives would almost certainly have been saved in 2007 if all car occupants had been wearing a belt.  Roughly, that's one life a day.
• If you are caught not wearing your seat belt you will be given a £60 fixed penalty notice, but could be fined up to £500.
• The driver is responsible for anyone under 14 not wearing a seatbelt and is liable for the £60 penalty for each child.

Mobile phones

• All phone calls are a distraction from driving and drivers are four times more likely to have a crash if they are talking on their mobile phone.
• It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone or similar device while driving. The penalty is £60 and 3 penalty points. If the case goes to court, it's a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if driving a bus, coach or heavy goods vehicle), discretionary disqualification and 3 points.
• Research shows that reaction times for drivers using a handheld phone are 30% worse than for driving under the influence of alcohol at the legal limit.
• Research shows that using a mobile phone while driving means you are four times more likely to crash.
• You can also be prosecuted for using a handsfree phone or similar device if you are distracted and not in proper control of the vehicle. The same penalties apply.  Employers could also be prosecuted if employees are distracted because they require them to use their mobile phones while driving.
• If you are teaching someone to drive it is also illegal for you to use a mobile phone when you're in the passenger seat.

Feedback

Let us know your thoughts on the campaign by completing our short online feedback form.

Useful links

 For useful links on seat belt and mobile phone safety follow the links below.

• The Highway Code
• AA report on seat belts. Produced on 11 October 2010
• Wearing a seatbelt and medical exemptions
• Mobile phones and driving

Where can you see or hear the advertising?

You'll see the advertising in a number of places across South Yorkshire, including:

• Messaging on the outside of busses directly targets drivers and car passengers
• Drive time advertising on local radio targets drivers and passengers as they're in the car

Downloads

If you support our campaign message you can take part by downloading posters and banners to print out or place on your own website.

• Save Yourself seat belt poster
• Save Yourself seat belt website banner
• Save Yourself mobile phone poster
• Save Yourself mobile phone website banner

*There is an exemtion for driving without a seatbelt on medical grounds

SLOW DOWN - DRIVE SAFELY - SAVE LIVES